Cusco Peru - Capital of the Inca Empire Read the Spanish version Cusco, Cuzco or Qosqo are some of the names that this ancient Incan capital is known by. It is a study site for archeologists from all over the world who flock to Peru to marvel at Machu Picchu and the rest of the Inca ruins scattered throughout the valley. Cusco was the administrative center of the Spanish Empire's Viceroyalty of Peru. A vast amount of art and colonial architecture remains throughout the city, especially in the Plaza de Armas. Currently, Cusco is the greatest tourist region of the country and receives over a million visitors a year. Cusco, Peru , is the most ancient urban settlement in all of the Americas, officially over 3,000 years old, but pre-ceramic artifacts have been found there that date back 5,000 years. The true history of the first inhabitants of the city has been lost to Incan legends that claim the city to have been founded by the Incas: Manko Qhapaq and Pachakuteq.

Cusco started to gain importance with the Incan society, in the year 1,200 A.C., although as previously mentioned the city existed much before that. Cusco reached its peak at the height of the Inca Empire's expansion, around 1.400 A.C., and its decline began with the arrival of the Spanish in 1533. The Spaniards moved the capital to Lima where the colonial culture flourished. Cusco maintained a relative importance as the administrative center of the Viceroyalty of Peru, as the region was called under the Spanish administration. During this period, Incan nobility maintained certain privileges in the valley of Cusco which allows them to live in relative peace and mix with the arriving Spaniards. We say “relative” because there were some uprisings led by Manko Inka in 1536 that continued until 1572 when the last descendent of the ancient Incan Dynasty, Túpac Amaru I, was executed. During this period, Incan nobility maintained certain privileges in the valley of Cusco which allows them to live in relative peace and mix with the arriving Spaniards.

We say “relative” because there were some uprisings led by Manko Inka in 1536 that continued until 1572 when the last descendent of the ancient Incan Dynasty, Túpac Amaru I, was executed. In 1821, after many rebellions throughout all of Latin America , Peru gained independence and maintained Lima as the country's capital. Cusco, however, was chosen as the “Archaeological Capital of South America” in recognition of its historic importance to not only Peru but the whole continent. In 1983 the city was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO . Along the Inca Trail near Cusco is the sacred city of Machu Picchu (“Old Mountain” in the Quechua language), archaeological ruins of incomparable beauty located on the mountain summit. It is believed that the city was a holiday residence of Pachacútec, the first Incan emperor who lived from 1438 to 1470. The city played two functions: one of a palace and one as a religious sanctuary.

Machu Picchu is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the new recognized Wonders of the World. Contact us Peru. Explore By Yourself! - Cusco – the capital of the Inca Empire Peru. Explore By Yourself! Interesting Facts Cusco – the capital of the Incan Empire Cusco (Cuzco, Qusqu, Qosqo) is a city with a rich history. It was the capital of the great Incan Empire for 200 years, but excavations indicate that it was inhabited as much as 3000 years ago. The Inca referred to their empire as Tawantinsuyu, (in Quechua Tawantin Suyu, Tawantinsuyu means "four parts together”) The empire was divided into four suyus, whose corners met at the capital, Cusco (Qosqo). They did not know other countries, did not travel beyond the seas; their land was the entire world and Cusco was the centre of this world. This explains one of the versions of the word “Cusco”.

It can be translated as the “Centre of the World; the Navel of the Earth” from Quechua. Another version of translation of the name is “The Place of Ashes”, i.e. the place of ritual sacrifice. All main temples of Incas were in Cusco and all significant religious ceremonies were also held here. How did the Spanish conquistadors see Cuzco upon arrival to this country in 1533? It was a prosperous city with magnificent temples, squares, and wealthy houses of the royal family, with their attendants and other nobles. Saphi River crossed through the central square and divided the city into two sectors: upper (Hanan) and lower (Urin). Many believe that the city was planned as an effigy in the shape of a puma, a sacred animal. The head of the puma was the Saqsaywaman sector, located above all other parts of the city. After arrival to Cusco the Spanish invaders changed the entire image of the city. The Spanish destroyed many Incan buildings, temples, and palaces. They used the remaining walls as the foundation for the construction of a new city. The Spanish churches were built using the stones from demolished Incan buildings.

The incredible colonial constructions built upon Inca foundations, have created a unique mestizo style of architecture, and this influence can be seen throughout the city’s culture and art. History of the city There are many legends about the origin of Cusco. One of them tells how, Manco Capac and his sister and wife Mama Ocllo emerged from the waters of Lake Titicaca with the mission to look for the promised land where the gold staff given to him by his father the Sun, would sink in the ground as a sign of fertility. In another version of this legend the Incan ancestors – four siblings and their sister-consorts emerged from the cave in one of the islands of Titicaca Lake. One of them was Manco Capac who founded the city of Cusco and laid the foundation of the Incan Empire. Cusco is the place of foundation and end of the great Tawantinsuyu Empire. In 1572 the last Inca stronghold was conquered, and the last ruler, Tupac Amaru, Manco's son, was captured and executed. This was the fall of the Inca Empire. There are many interesting museums in Cusco.

Here are some of them: Incan Museum (Museo Inca) The Museo Inka (Incan Museum), also known as the Archaeological Museum of Cusco, contains artifacts that trace Peruvian history from pre-Inca civilizations and Inca culture to the impact of the Conquest and colonial times on these native cultures. The mansion was built on top of an Inca palace at the beginning of the 17th century and was once the palace of Admiral Francisco Aldrete Maldonado. Museum is open every day Address: 103 Cuesta del Almirante, Cusco, Peru Koricancha (Qoricancha) Temple The extraordinarily crafted Temple of the Sun at Koricancha (Koricancha means "courtyard of gold" in Quechua) was the most sumptuous temple in the Incan Empire. Dedicated to worship of the sun, the most important deity in the Inca's naturalistic pantheon, the temple complex was a glittering palace. In addition to hundreds of gold panels lining its walls, there were life-size gold figures, solid-gold altars, and a huge golden sun disc.

The mummies of the Incan nobles were kept here and used during the religious ceremonies. After the Spaniards looted the temple and emptied it of gold, the exquisite polished stone walls were used as the foundations of the Dominican Convent of Santo Domingo, but some parts of the original temple still remain. The museum is open every day. Address: Plaza Intipampa (between Av.El Sol and Calle Santo Domingo), Cusco, Peru. Cusco Coca Museum (Museo de la Coca) This small, but informative museum tells a fascinating account of the now infamous coca leaf. Your journey begins with the pre-Inca cultures to whom the leaf was considered sacred. Medicinal values and benefits are well explained before moving through to the modern day and the dramatic impact of the cocaine industry. Address: Calle Suytuccatu 705, San Blas, Cusco, Peru. Cusco Planetarium The Cusco Planetarium is located in the city of Cusco 3350 meters above sea level, and brings the city nearer to the sky and the Gods. Stars played a significant role in the development of all great civilizations and the Incan Empire was one of them.

'Planetarium' is a company that offers night outings to the place where you can observe the stars. They will tell you about Incan astronomy, the constellations that were most important to them, and how the movement of stars regulated the life of the Incas. Excursions are organized every day, but require a prior booking. Website of the Planetarium: The chocolate world in Cusco (Choco Museo) Peru is a producer and exporter of the cacao beans. In 2010 Peru won a prestigious award from the Salon du Chocolat in Paris for the most aromatic cacao beans. In chocolate museum in Cusco you will learn about the process of making chocolate and even try the chocolate bars or hot chocolate. The museum organizes workshops where people can learn how to make their own chocolate and offers tours to cacao plantations. Website of the museum: Sacsayhuaman (Saqsaywaman) Sacsayhuaman is located on a steep hill high above Cusco and was one of the districts of the city during the Incas time.

Some writers also believe the complex was built specifically to represent the head of a puma, the effigy shape which Sacsayhuaman together with Cusco forms when seen from above. There are different versions about the destination of this district. For many years it was considered the fortress. However modern researches think that this was the residential area for wealthy nobles and had rich houses, temples and squares for religious ceremonies. Although the Spanish demolished the buildings and used the stones for construction of churches, the ruins of the district are still impressive! The walls with perfectly fit stones are about 6 meters tall. The estimated volume of stone is over 6,000 cubic meters. Estimates for the weight of the largest limestone block vary from 128 tons to almost 200 tons! It is assumed that about 20,000 people were working on the construction of the complex. Today, on 24 June, Peruvians celebrate Inti Raymi, the annual Inca festival of the winter solstice and New Year, near Sacsayhuaman.

Statue of Christ – White Christ (Cristo Blanco) The statue of Cristo Blanco (White Christ) is located on top of a hill high above Cusco, Peru, near Sacsayhuaman. Cristo Blanco was built by a group of Christian Palestinians that were seeking refuge in Cusco in 1945. It was a symbol of their gratitude toward the city, and was their parting gift when they finally returned to their home country. Kenko (Quenco, Q'inqu) Located 6km from Cusco towards the Sacred Valley, Qenko is a strange Incan temple carved out a huge stone. Q’enko comes from the Quechua language and means “Labyrinth.” This name was given by the Spanish conquistadors due to its underground galleries in a form of maze. Kenko is built in a form of the amphitheatre and could be an altar or a tribune – the exact purpose of the place is not known. Tambomachay Tambomachay in Quechua means place of rest. The name comes from Incan times. This “water resort” for Inca was built in 5-6 km distance from Cusco.

In Incan times, this was a sacred site used for worship of the water deity and had magnificent channels, aquaducts, and waterfalls. The great engineering skills allowed the builders to intervene a fall and divide it into two identical water falls. It has even been proven that the same amount of water falls in each fall in a certain time – if you put a bottle under each fall they will be filled at the same time What is the best time to visit the Andes? Dry season in the Andes is from April to September and this is the best time for traveling. In the wet season (October to March), you can expect showers three to four afternoons a week, but they still organize tours. However, if you are planning to travel to Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail, you must remember that this route is closed in February. How to get there There are numerous flights from Lima to Cusco, the flight usually takes about an hour. There are no direct bus routes, the shortest route is via Nazca and takes about 24 hours.

The list of local airlines:: Peru Hotels & Accommodation, Online Booking for magical journeys to Peru Puno • Tarapoto • Trujillo • Urubamba • … ALL Peru Hotels and Accommodation • Lima Lima is both the capital and largest city in Peru. It is the cultural and economic hub of the country. Lima occupies the valleys of the Chillon, Rimac and Lurin rivers. It lies on a desertic coast overlooking the Bay of Lima in the Pacific Ocean where its port was built and named Callao … • Cuzco Cuzco (often Cusco) is a city in southeastern Peru, near the Urubamba Valley (Sacred Valley) of the Andes mountain range. The altitude of the city, located on the eastern end of the Knot of Cuzco, is around 3,500 m. The historic capital of the sun-worshipping Inca empire … • Arequipa Arequipa is a large city in southern Peru and the nation's second most important city. The city lies in the highlands at the foot of the snow-capped volcano El Misti.

Archaeological findings indicate the fertile valley in which Arequipa is situated has been occupied back to 5000 - 6000 BCE … • Machu Picchu Machu Picchu is located in the Cusco Region of Peru. It is situated on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba Valley in Peru, which is 80 km northwest of Cusco and through which the Urubamba River flows. Often referred to as the Lost City of the Incas … … more popular destinations in Peru » Chiclayo Chiclayo is the capital city of the Lambayeque region in northern Peru. It is located 13 kilometers inland from the Pacific coast and 770 kilometers from the nation's capital, Lima. The city was founded near an important prehistoric archaeological site, the Northern Wari ruins … » Huaraz Huaraz is a city in Peru. It is the capital of the Departmento de Ancash and the seat of government of the Provincia de Huaraz. The urban agglomerations population is distributed over the districts of Huaraz and Independencia … » Ica The city of Ica is the capital of the Ica Region in southern Peru.

While the area was long inhabited by varying cultures of indigenous peoples, the Spanish conquistador Gerónimo Luis de Cabrera claimed its founding in 1563. The city suffered extensively during the 2007 Peru earthquake … » Iquitos Iquitos is the largest city in the rainforest of Peru. Located on the Amazon River, it is just 106 meters above sea level even though it is more than 3,000 kilometers from the mouth of the Amazon on the Atlantic Ocean. Iquitos has long been a major port in the Amazon Basin … » Mancora Mancora is a town and beach resort in the Piura Region, in northwestern Peru. It is located in the Talara Province and is capital of the Máncora District. The area is known for its turquoise beaches and good waves, making it a popular surfing destination … » Nazca Nazca (sometimes spelled Nasca) is a system of valleys on the southern coast of Peru, and the name of the region's largest existing town in the Nazca Province.

It is also the name applied to the Nazca culture that flourished in the area between 300 BC and AD 800 … » Ollantaytambo Ollantaytambo is a town and an Inca archaeological site in southern Peru some 60 kilometers northwest of the city of Cusco. It is located at an altitude of 2,792 meters (9,160 feet) above sea level in the district of Ollantaytambo, province of Urubamba, Cusco region … » Paracas Paracas bay, with its southern end lying within the Paracas National Reservation is well-known for its abundant wildlife.

The unique ecosystem, insulated from thrashing ocean waves and current by Paracas Peninsula, and its shallow warmer waters … » Puerto Maldonado Puerto Maldonado is a city in Southeastern Peru in the Amazon forest 55 kilometres (34 mi) west of the Bolivian border; located at the confluence of the Tambopata and Madre de Dios rivers, the latter which joins the Madeira River as a tributary of the Amazon … » Puno Puno is a city in southeastern Peru, located at the edge of Lake Titicaca. Puno's importance to the vast Inca empire was reflected in a legendary connection.

Inca tradition has it that Manco Capac, the first Inca, rose from the waters of Lake Titicaca, under the orders of the Sun God, to found the Inca Empire … » Tarapoto Tarapoto , known as the "City of Palms", is a thriving commercial hub in northern Peru, an hour by plane from Lima, situated in the San Martín Province of the San Martín Region, located in the high jungle plateau to the east of what is known as the selva baja (low jungle) … » Trujillo Trujillo is a city in coastal northwestern Peru and the capital of La Libertad Region. It is located on the banks of the Moche River, near its mouth at the Pacific Ocean, in the Moche Valley. This was a site of the great prehistoric Moche and Chimu cultures before the Inca conquest … » Urubamba Urubamba (Flat land of Spiders) is a small town in Peru, located near the Urubamba River under the snow-capped mountain of Chicon.

Located one hour from Cusco, Urubamba is the largest town in the Sacred Valley of the Incas … • All Peru If you are looking for a particular hotel or location in Peru, or prefer to search for your accommodation by category, amenities, traveller ratings and reviews, or location to the towns and attractions on the map (and check out the Google earth options for a really great view), then please click here … Machupicchu Peru Cuzco Tours - Chachapoyas Tours Machu Picchu - vacations travel Peru tours -Tours Machu Picchu-Vacation Tours Peru Welcome To MachuPicchuCuzcoPeru.com Cuzco (often spelled Cusco, less frequently Qosqo or Qusqu) is a city in southeastern Peru, near the Urubamba Valley (Sacred Valley) of the Andes mountain range. It is the capital of the Cusco Region as well as the Cusco Province. The city has a population of about 300,000, triple the population it contained just 20 years ago.

The altitude of the city, located on the eastern end of the Knot of Cuzco, is around 3,500 m. The historic capital of the sun-worshipping Inca empire, it has been found in 2006 to be the spot on Earth with the highest UV level. Cuzco was the capital of Inca Empire. Many believe that the city was planned to be shaped like a puma. The city had two sectors: the urin and hanan, which were further divided to each encompass two of the four provinces, Chinchasuyu (NW), Antisuyu (NE), Cuntisuyu (SW), and Collasuyu (SE). According to Inca legend, the city was built by Inca Pachacuti, the man who transformed the Kingdom of Cuzco from a sleepy city-state into the vast empire of Tahuantinsuyu. But archaeological evidence points to a slower, more organic growth of the city beginning before Pachacuti. There was however a city plan, and two rivers were channeled around the city.

Cuzco - Peru Cuzco (Cuzco) - Peru Cusco (also Cuzco, Qosqo, or Qusqu) is a city in southeastern Peru, near the Urubamba Valley ( Sacred Valley ) of the Andes mountain range. It is the capital of the Cusco Region as well as the Cusco Province. The city has a population of about 300,000, triple the population it contained just 20 years ago. The altitude of the city is around 3,500m (11,500 feet). The historic capital of the sun-worshipping Inca empire, it has been found in 2006 to be the spot on Earth with the highest UV level. Other nearby Inca sites are Pachacuti's presumed winter home Machu Picchu which can be reached by a lightly maintained Inca trail , or the train, the "fortress" at Ollantaytambo, and the "fortress" of Sacsayhuaman which is approximately two kilometers from Cusco.

Other less visited ruins include Inca Wasi, the highest of all Inca sites at 3,980 m (13,134 feet), Old Vilcabamba the capital of the Inca after the capture of Cuzco, the sculpture garden at Chulquipalta (aka Chuquipalta, �usta Espa�a, The White Rock, Yurak Rumi), as well as Huillca Raccay, Patallacta, Choquequirao, Moray, and many others. The surrounding area, located in the Huatanay Valley, is strong in agriculture, including corn, barley, quinoa, tea and coffee, and gold mining. Thanks to remodeling, Cusco's main stadium, Estadio Garcilaso de la Vega, attracted many more tourists during South America's continental soccer championship, the Copa America 2004 held in Peru. The city is served by Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport. Visit Machu Picchu ! One of the 7 Wonders of the World and enjoy the comfort of the best Machu Picchu Hotels .

Cusco Tours Peru plans to map buried Inca capital Peru plans to map buried Inca capital Roberto Cortijo Pin it Share General view of part of ancient Inca remains found during maintenance works in Cusco, Peru on September 10, 2014 (AFP Photo/J. Hall) More Lima (AFP) - Archaeological sites buried under a former imperial capital in Peru will be studied by experts to map out relics hidden below the historic city. The study of Cusco, the capital of the ancient Inca empire located in Peru's southeast, will use new technologies to electronically analyze buried artifacts without disturbing the soil, officials said. The analysis is expected to allow a better understanding of how the city existed in ancient times, before the arrival of the Spanish in 1533. Meaning "center" or "navel" in the Quechua language, Cusco was the hub of Incan society. A network of roads connected the four regions of the empire through the former capital, which is now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

"A mapping will not only include archeological items, but will also map history, stories and everything needed to give detailed information to understand the origin of Cusco," said Ricardo Ruiz Caro, a culture ministry representative in the city. Pre-Inca, Inca and Spanish history is expected to be uncovered. "Every culture built on top of each other to impose their authority and dominance," Ruiz Caro said. Cusco and the nearby Incan citadel of Machu Picchu are the most visited places in Peru with nearly a million tourists a year. Cusco's analysis is expected to take five years and is supported by local and international cultural organizations. Workers repairing a street in the city two months ago uncovered remains of a pre-Spanish bridge with six foot walls and stairs. The city closed off the area to protect it and said it was exploring the bridge and other remains of ancient Cusco. "The historic center of Cusco is like an overlay of several skins, you lift a stone and you find amazing vestiges of earlier cultures," Ruiz Caro said.

For example, the uncovered temple of Qurikancha in the city features Inca architecture and is topped by the Santo Domingo monastery built by the Spanish in 1663. Under the historic center of Cusco are palaces, residences of Inca nobility, canals, bridges and tunnels leading to temples, archaeologists said. "There is an entire neighborhood called Kotacalle which we are placing value on and seems to be an Inca royal quarter," Ruiz Caro said. Reblog Inca Empire for Kids: Cuzco City Cuzco was the capital and birthplace of the Inca Empire. The emperor, or Sapa Inca, lived in a palace in Cuzco. His top leaders and closest advisors also lived there. Where is Cuzco located? Cuzco is located in the Andes Mountains of what is today southern Peru . It sits high in the mountains at an elevation of 11,100 feet (3,399 meters) above sea level. When was Cuzco founded? Cuzco was founded by Manco Capac around 1200 AD. He established the Kingdom of Cuzco as a city-state that ruled the surrounding lands.

Center of the Inca Empire In 1438 Pachacuti became the Sapa Inca of the Inca people. He greatly expanded the lands that Cuzco controlled. Soon Cuzco was the center of the vast Inca Empire. Who lived in the city of Cuzco? The city of Cuzco was a place for nobles to live during the Inca Empire. Commoners did not live in the city. The only exceptions were the servants of the nobles as well as artisans and builders who were working on buildings or other items for the nobles. Many of the high ranking nobles were required to live in Cuzco. Even the governors of the four major regions of the empire were required to have a home in Cuzco and to live one fourth of the year in the city. The most important person that lived in Cuzco was the emperor, or Sapa Inca. He lived in a huge palace with his family and queen, the coya. The Buildings of Cuzco Emperor's Palace - Perhaps the most important building in Cuzco was the emperor's palace. There were actually a number of palaces in Cuzco because each new emperor built his own palace.

The palace of the previous emperor was occupied by his mummy. The Inca believed that the spirit of the old emperor inhabited the mummy and they often went to consult the mummies of previous emperors. Coricancha - The most important temple in Cuzco was the temple of the Sun god Inti. It was called the Coricancha which means "Golden Temple". During the time of the Inca Empire the walls and floors of the temple were covered in sheets of gold. Sacsayhuaman - Located on a steep hill on the outskirts of the city was the fortress of Sacsayhuaman. This fortress was guarded with a series of huge stone walls. There are individual stones in the walls so big they are estimated to weigh nearly 200 tons! Walls of the Sacsayhuaman ruin at Cusco by Bcasterline Interesting Facts about the Inca city of Cuzco A common greeting used in the city was "Ama Sua, Ama Quella, Ama Lulla" which meant "Don't lie, don't steal, don't be lazy". This was also the cornerstone of the Inca law.

The Killke people lived in the area before the Inca and may have built some of the structures that the Inca used. The city of Cuzco is still a large city today with a population of around 350,000. Many of the stones in the walls of Sacsayhuaman fit so closely together that you cannot even slide a piece of paper between them. The city of Cuzco is often spelled with an "s" as in Cusco. The Constitution of Peru officially designates the modern city of Cuzco as the Historical Capital of Peru. Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro said of Cuzco "it is so beautiful and has such fine buildings that it would be remarkable even in Spain". Activities Take a ten question quiz about this page. Aztecs Cusco - YouTube Cusco Want to watch this again later? Sign in to add this video to a playlist. Need to report the video? Sign in to report inappropriate content. Rating is available when the video has been rented. This feature is not available right now. Please try again later.

Uploaded on Jul 2, 2006 Cusco (also Cuzco, Qosqo, or Qusqu) is a city in southeastern Peru, near the Urubamba Valley (Sacred Valley) of the Andes mountain range. It is the capital of the Cusco Region as well as the Cusco Province. The altitude of the city is around 3,500m (11,500 feet). The historic capital of the sun-worshipping Inca empire. June 2004. The Incas (from the early 13th century) - LimaEasy LimaEasy The Incas (from the early 13th century) Lima History & Cultures (Part 6) The Incas, the most well-known pre-Hispanic culture in Peru, were only the last highly advanced culture in a series of great ancient Peruvian civilizations. The Incas arose in the early 13th century in the Cuzco region where they built up a small city state named Qosqo (Cuzco). They originally represented one of these small and relatively minor ethnic groups, the Quechuas. Gradually they began to expand and incorporate their neighbors.

For the following 200 years their expansion was regionally limited and slow. However from 1438 onwards the Incas under their ruler Pachacuti set out from their capital Cuzco to conquer or by forming alliances peacefully assimilate huge parts of Peru's Andes mountain range turning the Inca civilization into the most powerful nation of South America and marking the starting point of the great Inca Empire. Pachacuti's son Tupac Inca followed in his father's footstep and continued the expansion of the empire. He began conquests to the north in 1463, and continued them as Inca ruler after Pachacuti's death. From 1493 onwards his son Huayna Capac added significant territory to the south. By the late 15th and early 16th century, the Inca Empire, named Tawantinsuyu or Tuhuantinsuyu, had reached its maximum size spanning from today's Ecuador and a small part of Colombia in the north along the coast and Peruvian Andes over Peru to parts of Bolivia, Argentina and Chile in the south.

The Incas at the Central Coast of Peru The central coast of Peru and the area we know today as Lima was incorporated into the Inca Empire from 1460 to 1470. It seems that the assimilation was peaceful by forming alliances with the regional leaders. While the Incas usually repressed conquered tribes erasing their culture and tradition and forcing the Inca structures, administration, procedure, methods, language and believe on them, in the Lima region it seems likely that the Incas at least partly diverge form their norm. Of course the Incas imposed a political and administrative reorganization, but allowed most "old" rulers incorporated in the new units to retain their political and administrative powers. Regarding urbanism and architecture the acculturation seems to have been reversed. As common the Incas built enormous administrative or religious centers or rebuilt and added to older ones. But contrary to the usual practice they were influenced by the geographic location, available building materials and customs of the coastal region adopting typical local characteristics and only combining them with Inca urban planning and architecture. The same applies for agriculture and craft works. There is little evidence that the normally dominant Inca culture imposed their way in these areas on the local customs leaving only small traces of their influence.

Instead it seems that after the reorganization of the area the Incas directed their focus in the coastal region more on improving and extensively expanding the existing road network connecting all important local administrative and religious centers, uniting the valleys of the rivers Lurin, Rimac and Chillon as well as linking this part of the great empire with the north, south and east. Inti (Sun god of the Incas) VS. Pachacamac (Creator god of the coastal region) Like in all other conquered regions the Incas tried to impose the worship to Inti, the sun god. As the influence and power of Pachacamac, the god worshipped at the coastal region before the arrival of the Incas, was still so great and by far outshone Inti, the Incas were in a no-win situation. The worship for the sun god Inti in the Inca Empire was axiomatic and unalterable, but the veneration of Pachacamac in the coastal region was out of necessity respected and even practiced by the Incas themselves.

This coexistence of the two gods was simply achieved by altering the Inca mythology a little bit and unceremoniously "nominating" Pachacamac as the sun god's brother. This way all were happy. Unique in the history of the Inca Empire the new religious complex to honor the sun god Inti at the ancient city of Pachacamac was built next to the religious temple of the god Pachacamac where he was adored. Archaeological sites built or altered by the Incas As mentioned above the Incas were extraordinary urban planners and architects. They built great monuments or remodeled existing ones in conquered regions putting their mark on the area and showing their influence and power. In the coastal region they might have been influenced by the local customs, but nevertheless they were industrious doing so as well. When arriving at the coast the Incas quite quickly realized the importance of the ancient city of Pachacamac in the south of today's Lima and the creator god Pachacamac. Although respecting Pachacamac and the cult around it, the Incas modified the already existing structures, temples and other buildings to their needs.

They built remarkable new pyramids and temples, among them the Templo del Sol (the Temple of the Sun) next to a temple dedicated to his "brother" Pachacamac, the Acllahuasi (The House of the Chosen Women), also known as "Mamacona", the Plaza of Pilgrims and a palace for the local Inca ruler named Taurichumbi Palace. Another important ancient city in the Lima region was Maranga (parts of it still can be found in the Parque de las Leyendas in San Miguel). As usual the Incas altered and modernized the complex. Pyramids and structures built by preceding cultures like the Ichma or Lima Culture were reconstructed and used as storage facilities or cemeteries, walls were plastered and the access roads paved. New huacas like the "Huaca La Palma" were built. Old buildings of the Maranga in the north were re-occupied by farmers who constructed very basic houses with the old "adobitos" of the Lima Culture.

Almost the same happened in other great pre-Inca complexes: the ancient city of Armatambo (once located in today's district of Chorrillos at the Morro Solar) was occupied and modified to the Inca's needs. Unfortunately today only the remains of the foundation of one ancient building, the Huaca San Pedro, are left. In Limatambo, the second biggest pre-Inca city after Maranga, that was located in the area of today's districts of San Isidro and La Victoria, the Incas started to use the old ceremonial complexes as tombs. So did they in the Puruchuco Complex (located in the district of Ate) which also served as administrative and ceremonial center. Numerous other ancient structures within the valleys of the Chillon, Rimac and Lurin valley were occupied by the Incas and used as administrative or ceremonial centers. Unfortunately most of them disappeared over the centuries and especially in the 20th century where they had to give way to the urban expansion of the capital.

The End of the great Inca Empire After Huayna Capac's death, the son of Tupac Inca and grandson of Pachacuti, who from 1493 onwards added significant territory in the south , the great Inca Empire was divided between two of his sons: Atahualpa was supposed to rule the northern part of the empire with its center in Quito, and his half-brother Huascar the southern part of the empire from Cuzco, the traditional Inca capital. The division led to civil war between the half-brothers for control over the complete empire. The war which ravaged Inca cities, wreaked havoc on the economy and decimated the population considerably was only resolved in 1532 when Atahualpa defeated his brother. Soon afterwards the Spanish conquerors arrived. Weakened by the war and additionally by civilization diseases like smallpox that had swept to the Empire earlier from already conquered Panama the Spaniards had an easy job defeating the Incas. The execution of Atahualpa, the last free Inca emperor, left the leaderless kingdom open to complete subjugation by the Spaniards and marked the end of the Inca Empire.

The Inca Empire: Children of the Sun [ushistory.org] 11c. The Inca Empire: Children of the Sun When Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro landed in Peru in 1532, he found unimaginable riches. The Inca Empire was in full bloom. The streets may not have been paved with gold — but their temples were. The Coricancha, or Temple of Gold, boasted an ornamental garden where the clods of earth, maize plants complete with leaves and corn cobs, were fashioned from silver and gold. Nearby grazed a flock of 20 golden llamas and their lambs, watched over by solid gold shepherds. Inca nobles strolled around on sandals with silver soles protecting their feet from the hard streets of Cuzco. The Mountain Institute, West Virginia This mummified girl was discovered in 1995 on Mount Ampato in the Andes Mountains of Peru at an altitude of over 20,000 feet. She was sacrificed by Inca priests nearly 500 years ago. The Inca called their empire Tahuantinsuyu, or Land of the Four Quarters.

It stretched 2,500 miles from Quito, Ecuador, to beyond Santiago, Chile. Within its domain were rich coastal settlements, high mountain valleys, rain-drenched tropical forests and the driest of deserts. The Inca controlled perhaps 10 million people, speaking a hundred different tongues. It was the largest empire on earth at the time. Yet when Pizarro executed its last emperor, Atahualpa, the Inca Empire was only 50 years old. The true history of the Inca is still being written. According to one story, four brothers emerged from Lake Titicaca. During a long journey, all but one disappeared. Manco Capac survived to plunge a golden staff into the ground where the Rios Tullamayo and Huantanay meet. He founded the sacred city of Cuzco. The Sacred City of Cuzco Cuzco is nestled in a mountain valley 10,000 feet above sea level. It formed the center of the Inca world. The first emperor, Pachacuti transformed it from a modest village to a great city laid out in the shape of a puma.

He also installed Inti, the Sun God, as the Incas' official patron, building him a wondrous temple. And he did something else — which may explain the Inca's sudden rise to power. He expanded the cult of ancestor worship. When a ruler died, his son received all his earthly powers — but none of his earthly possessions. All his land, buildings, and servants went to his panaqa, or other male relatives. The relatives used it to preserve his mummy and sustain his political influence. Dead emperors maintained a living presence. A new ruler had to create his own income. The only way to do that was to grab new lands, subdue more people, and expand the Empire of the Sun. From the heights of Machu Picchu, the entire Urabamba Valley in the Andes Mountains can be seen. How was this done? Life in traditional Andean villages was fragile. One married couple would help another planting or harvesting crops. They would receive help in their own fields in return. The Inca tailored this practice of reciprocity — give-and-take — to their own needs. Their cities centered on great plazas where they threw vast parties for neighboring chiefs.

Festivities continued for days on end, sometimes lasting a month. Dignitaries were fed, and given gifts of gold, jewels, and textiles. Only then would the Inca make their requests for labor, to increase food production, to build irrigation schemes, to terrace hillsides, or to extend the limits of the empire. Machu Picchu and Empire The Inca were great builders. They loved stone — almost as much as they revered gold. At magical Machu Picchu, a frontier fortress and a sacred site, a mystic column, the hitching post of the Sun, is carved from the living rock. Another slab is shaped to echo the mountain beyond. Spanish leader Francisco Pizarro captured and ransomed the last Inca emperor, Atahuallpa, for 24 tons of gold worth $267 million today. After receiving the ransom from the Inca people, the conquistadors strangled Atahuallpa anyway. Temples and fortifications at Machu Picchu were constructed from vast, pillowy boulders, some weighing 100 tons or more. Constructed without mortar, the joins between them are so tight as to deny a knife-blade entry. A vast labor force was required.

There are records of 20 men working on a single stone, chipping away, hoisting and lowering, polishing it with sand, hour-by-hour for an entire year. A network of highways allowed Inca emperors to control their sprawling empire. One ran down the spine of the Andes, another along the coast. Inca builders could cope with anything the treacherous terrain required — steep paths cut along mountain sides, rope suspension bridges thrown across steep ravines, or treacherous causeways traversing floodplains. Every mile and a half they built way stations as resting points. Bands of official runners raced between them covering 150 miles a day. A message could be sent 1200 miles from Cuzco to Quito in under a week. The Inca Empire ranged 2,500 miles from Ecuador to southern Chile before its destruction at the hands of Spanish conquistadors in 1532. Everyone was expected to contribute to the empire. Land was divided in three. One third was worked for the emperor, one third was reserved for the gods, and one third the people kept for themselves. All were required to pay taxes as tribute. The Inca could not write.

Tax collectors and bureaucrats kept track of things with quipu, knotted strings. Varying lengths, colors, knot-types, and positions, enabled them to store enormous quantities of information. Despite its glory, the Incas was a brittle empire, held together by promises and threats. When Pizarro executed the last emperor, it rapidly collapsed. Catholic priests demanding allegiance to a new Christian god soon replaced the Children of the Sun. As they had for thousands of years, the hardy peoples of the Andes adapted. They took what they must from their new masters, and held onto as many of their old ways as they could.

Question: Which Peruvian city was the historic capital of the sun-worshipping Inca empire?
Answer: Cusco